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Part of Spanish controlled South America from the 16th
century, Paraguay proclaimed its independence from Spanish rule on the 14th of February 1811.
Paraguay’s flag is unique in the world as the only national flag to have different emblems on the obverse (front) and reverse (back). The front of the flag features the country’s
state coat of arms and the back features the Treasury Seal.
The current design of the red-white-blue horizontal striped flag dates from 1842, though slight modifications have been made to the
state arms and to the Treasury Seal over time, the last being in 1988. |
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The Paraguayan colours were inspired by the
national flag of France; considered the colours of liberty and independence.
Separately, red symbolises courage, equality and patriotism. White represents unity, purity and peace and blue symbolises liberty, benevolence and truth.
The state arms (on the obverse or front) consist a five pointed yellow star on a blue disc, representing the date of Paraguay’s independence from Spain, the 14th of May 1811.
Surrounding the star is an olive branch, symbolising peace and a palm branch, symbolising honour. On a circular band is the country’s official name written in Spanish, Republic of Paraguay.
The Treasury Seal (on the reverse or back) displays a lion guarding the red Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty. Surmounting the seal is the Paraguayan national motto: Paz y Justica, which means ‘Peace and Justice’. |
